[annez]

Hi! I've been loosing marks for writing down the wrong state symbol in all my tests and its really bothering me. The problem I have is I know what the state symbols stand for and everything but I'm always strugging to know what the actual state symbols are. I've been just guessing everything. I was wondering if there's any way to know what the state symbol is without them mentioning it in the test. For example, I know that ionic compounds are often solids and precipitates of reactions are solids. Are there any other similar rules?

Thank you so much!

[Hunter2]

It means to learn the basic chemical physical values. Water is liquid, but above 100°C its gaseous ( steam) and below 0 ° C its solid (ice).
You are right ionic compound at RT are solid. But elements of air  and also compound of nonmetals are mostly gaseous.

At least pressure and temperature has to be given.

[Aldebaran]

@ annez
Also keep in mind that solutions in water are represented by (aq).
This can include solutions of gases for example as well as dissolved solids and liquids.